Box Score
Butler could not overcome 30-percent shooting and being down three starters in falling at Xavier, 63-51, Sunday night at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati.
 
Butler played without injured starters Aaron Thompson, Bo Hodges and Bryce Nze.
 
The Bulldogs shot 18-of-61 overall, including 6-of-31 from three-point range. Butler shot only 19 percent in the second half.
 
"I'm disappointed in the result, but was really proud of the effort tonight," said Butler coach LaVall Jordan. "I thought our guys battled. We got on the boards and ran them off the three-point line, which were a few of the things we really wanted to stress tonight. In the end, we didn't get enough shots to fall."
 
Butler's defense caused Xavier a number of problems as well, limiting the Musketeers to only 2-of-19 shooting from behind the arc. Xavier (12-4, 5-4 BIG EAST) shot 44 percent overall and had 36 points in the paint.
 
Butler won the rebounding battle, 42-39. That included a career-high 12 rebounds by junior Bryce Golden as part of his first career double-double (10 points). Myles Wilmoth also pulled down a career-best nine rebounds. Chuck Harris had 14 points to lead the Bulldogs, adding career-highs of six rebounds and six assists. Jair Bolden added 12 points.
 
Zach Freemantle led Xavier with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Colby Jones added 13 points and 11 rebounds.
 
With 5:10 remaining in the game, Butler pulled within four at 49-45. A Dwon Odom three-point play gave Xavier a cushion that allowed the home team to finish the game at the free throw line.
 
The first half included large swings back and forth as Xavier took an early 16-6 lead before a 10-0 Butler spurt gave the Bulldogs their first lead of the game at 24-21 with 5:12 remaining. The next nine points belonged to the Musketeers before Butler scored the final five points of the half to pull within two at the half as Xavier went into the locker rooms up 33-31.
 
Butler is now 7-13 overall and 6-11 in BIG EAST play.
 
The Bulldogs have a pair of games at Hinkle Fieldhouse this week, hosting Seton Hall Wednesday and Villanova Sunday. Tickets remain available for both contests.